Connecting element for mechanically connecting components

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a connecting element for efficiently connecting components and subassemblies with the most diverse configurations to wall, ceiling and floor surfaces of buildings or frames. The connecting element has two coupling halves ( 1   a   , 1   b ) that can be interconnected by jointing and can be fixed to components or subassemblies to be connected by fixing means. The coupling halves and the fixing means are proportioned to guarantee that the connected components or subassemblies maintain a predetermined mechanically stable state during the exertion of operational forces. According to the invention, coupling halves of conduits ( 2   a   , 2   b,    10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35 ) are arranged inside the coupling halves for connecting liquid conduits, gas conduits, electrical conduits or signal conduits, whereby during operation, the conduit coupling halves are connected to the end sections of the conduits to be connected and the coupling halves ( 1   a   , 1   b ) have passages, through which the conduits are directed towards the exterior. The coupling halves are configured in the connected operational state as a housing for the conduit coupling halves ( 2   a   , 2   b   , 10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35 ), said housing being designed in such a way that the conduit coupling halves ( 2   a   , 2   b   , 10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35 ) and the end sections of the conduits to be connected are protected from operational or environmental damage.

The invention relates to a connection element for connecting buildingcomponents effectively, especially building components such as, forexample, wall, ceiling and floor elements, as are used in prefabricatedbuilding construction. Prefabricated building construction is understoodto mean buildings that are intended to stand for a relatively long timeas well as buildings that are used only for a relatively short time suchas, for example, buildings for emergency accommodation after anearthquake, for military uses, for trade fair constructions etc.

Various connection arrangements are known in prefabricated buildingconstruction for connecting wall, ceiling and floor elements.Frequently, for example, wall elements are push-fitted together and thenthe push-fit connections are bolted together. So-called brackets, whichare screwed to the locations being connected, are increasingly beingused in prefabricated building construction. Brackets are adequatelyknown from the prior art so that reference is made merely by way ofexample to the document U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,311.

There is, and there will also be in the future, a need to minimise workon site because work on site generally has to be carried out using localworkers who may, depending on circumstances, be poorly trained orexpensive. Furthermore, there are scarcely any possibilities forautomating installation on site, as a result of which reduction of thecosts arising on site can be achieved only with difficulty. A furtherproblem is the construction time, which, in the case of laborious manualinstallation of wall elements, can be shortened only to a limiteddegree.

It is accordingly problematic that, in prefabricated buildingconstruction, manufacture of the building components can be carried outwith a high degree of automation and a high production quality can alsobe achieved, whereas, during installation of the prefabricated elementson site, the speed of installation and the quality of work can, incontrast, be influenced only to a small extent.

There is, however, a permanent need to reduce construction costs and toimprove the quality of assembled structures, the expression “assembledstructures” being understood to mean any structure that is put togetheron site from prefabricated elements, the necessary work substantiallybeing carried out manually by qualified workers.

The invention relates likewise to a device for effectively connectingsub-assemblies in a very great variety of forms to wall, ceiling andfloor surfaces of buildings or frameworks. The following list ofsub-assemblies is not exhaustive and is intended merely to illustratethe wide range of applications of the invention:

Sub-assemblies from the area of heating, ventilation andair-conditioning:

-   wall radiators, kitchen unit with gas or electric cooker, oven,    air-conditioning unit for wall assembly, utility module having a hot    water tank, hot water production unit and various additional devices    such as, for example, water filters.

Sub-assemblies from the sanitary area:

-   modules having wash-basin, WC or shower cubicle.

In similar manner to the production of prefabricated buildings, there isalso the problem, in the case of the sub-assemblies mentioned above, ofeffective and reliable installation on site, especially in cases wherethe sub-assemblies have a large number of connection points andconnections such as, for example, for water, gas, electricity or/andtelephone and data-processing devices. Because the complexity of thesub-assemblies is increasing further, highly qualified skilled workersare required for installation on site. As a result, installation costsare increasing. If qualified staff are not used there is an increase infailures, for example as a result of incorrect electrical or signalconnections, the correction of which likewise gives rise to high costs.

The problem of the present invention is accordingly to make effectivethe installation of building components and sub-assemblies in theconstruction sector so that even less well qualified workers can carryout complicated installation work quickly and without mistakes.

The problem is solved by a device according to claim 1.

A connection element is provided for connecting building components orsub-assemblies mechanically, the connection element having two couplinghalves, which can be brought into engagement by a joining movement. Thecoupling halves can be fastened to the building components orsub-assemblies being connected, using fastening means such as, forexample, screws or adhesive. The coupling halves and the fastening meansare so dimensioned that, when forces occurring in use are applied, themechanically stable state of the connected building components orsub-assemblies is maintained for a long period. Inside the couplinghalves there are arranged line coupling halves. The line coupling halvesare used for connecting liquid lines or gas lines or electrical lines orsignal lines such as, for example, for telephone or video devices. Theline coupling halves are connected to the ends of the lines. The linespass through openings to the outside or pass inside the buildingcomponent or sub-assembly.

In accordance with the invention, the coupling halves in the in-useconnected state are in the form of housings of the line coupling halves.The housing comprising the pushed-together coupling halves is so formedthat the line coupling halves and the end portions of the lines beingconnected are protected from damaging operational or environmentalinfluences. Because the operational or environmental influences may bevery varied, the person skilled in the art will, on the basis of thetechnical teaching imparted, have to design the coupling halves so that,with regard to the specific application, they adequately protect theline coupling halves and the end portions of the lines being connected.It may accordingly be necessary, for example under certain operationalconditions, to provide a hermetically sealed housing in order to avoidcorrosion on the line coupling halves. In that case, the line couplinghalves are, in the connected state, enclosed on all sides and can haveseals that, in the connected state, prevent the entry of atmospherichumidity or water. The very great variety of forms of such seals areadequately known to the person skilled in the art, for example from thefield of the installation of electric cables in wet rooms.

It should be mentioned that the procedure for dimensioning and designingthe coupling halves is as follows:

-   a. dimensioning according to the mechanical operational forces to be    expected, taking into account the installation situation and the    space required for the line coupling halves;-   b. dimensioning according to the damaging operational and    environmental influences to be expected, the specific installation    conditions also having to be taken into account in this instance.    Accordingly, a coupling half can, for example, be open to the rear,    despite a requirement for sealing, if the coupling half is arranged    within a recess in the building component being connected. Covering    and sealing to the rear are, in that instance, accomplished by the    building component.

The basic idea of the invention therefore consists in providingmechanical fastening elements that have couplings for energy and signalsupply. These mechanical fastening elements are used in same manner asthe conventional brackets, that is to say they are fastened usingfastening means such as, for example, screws, at the locations intendedfor that purpose on the building components or sub-assemblies beingconnected. The mechanical fastening elements are so constructed that theline couplings for the energy and signal lines are, in the connectedstate, so encased that they are adequately protected against damaginginfluences.

The main advantage of the invention is that, for the first time, thereis provided a connector that can be used in highly universal manner,that—depending on the requirement—can be used in the same manner as aconventional bracket for a very great variety of purposes and that canbe installed with little difficulty at freely selectable locations onthe building components or sub-assemblies being connected. As is usualin the case of conventional brackets, the connection element accordingto the invention can be arranged recessed in grooves or in blind drilledholes.

It is accordingly no longer necessary to carry out connection of theindividual supply and signal lines separately, after joining thebuilding elements together, as a result of which expensive installationtime is saved. Because skilled workers are no longer required forconnection of the supply and signal lines, the functional reliability ofthe connection locations can be substantially increased. The inventionis found to be especially advantageous in the case of modern buildingsthat are controlled by a building management system. Such buildingmanagement systems require, amongst other things, a large number ofsensors, which are connected to electronic control devices, resulting inextensive wiring. When that wiring is already integrated into the walls,ceilings etc. and is connected automatically and without error in thecourse of installation of the walls, ceilings etc., costs can be reducedand quality increased.

It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the generalinventive idea can be put into practice in a great variety ofarrangements. The description of embodiments of the subordinate claimsand of exemplary embodiments indicates basic arrangements so that theinvention is adequately disclosed to the person skilled in the art.

According to claim 2, the connection element is so arranged that thedirection of the joining movement of the coupling halves is the same asthe direction of the joining movement of the line coupling halves, thatis to say when pushing together the mechanical coupling halves the linecoupling halves are also pushed together in the same direction. Thisembodiment has a simple arrangement.

According to claim 3, the connection element is so arranged that thedirection of the joining movement of the coupling halves differs fromthe direction of the joining movement of the line coupling halves, thatis to say the directions of the joining movements are not the same. Thisembodiment is advantageous when structural dimensions of the componentsbeing connected allow for only restricted space conditions, that notbeing feasible using an embodiment according to claim 2.

According to claim 4, the connection element is so arranged that theline coupling halves are joined together at the same time as thecoupling halves, that is to say when the mechanical coupling shells arecompletely joined together the line coupling halves are also joinedtogether. This embodiment makes possible a simple and economicalarrangement.

According to claim 5, the connection element is so arranged that, duringconnection, first the coupling halves are completely connected and onlythereafter are the line coupling halves joined together. This embodimenthas particular advantages under especially tough installationconditions. For example, the line coupling halves can remain in aprotected position until the coupling halves have been completelyclosed. Connection of the line coupling halves is performed only withina completely protected housing.

According to claim 6, the connection element is so arranged that theline coupling halves can be connected singly or together by means of aconnection mechanism. The connection mechanism has the followingfeatures: a slide mechanism for bringing together the line couplinghalves. The person skilled in the art will understand a slide mechanismin this context to be a guideway on which or in which the couplinghalves can slide on a track. Such guideways or slide arrangements can befound in relevant textbooks of design theory and are therefore notfurther described. In order to drive the slide mechanism, a drivemechanism is provided, the subject-matter of claims 7 and 8 comprisingtwo possible embodiments of a drive mechanism.

According to claim 7, the drive mechanism has a spring mechanism,wherein a blocked, biased spring drives the slide mechanism whenblocking of the spring is released automatically or manually. Automaticrelease of the blocking can be carried out, for example, as a result ofdisplacement of a pin blocking the spring, which is brought about whenthe mechanical coupling halves are joined together and, as a result,blocking of the spring is removed. Such arrangements may either be foundcomplete in relevant textbooks or are part of the technical knowledgethat is always at the disposal of a design engineer, who is thereforenot required to act inventively.

According to claim 8, the drive mechanism is arranged to be actuatedmanually. For example, the drive mechanism can be actuated using a key,that is to say when the coupling halves are completely connected, akey-like tool is pushed into a recess—in similar manner to a key-hole.The slide mechanism is actuated by rotating the tool. The line couplinghalves can accordingly be joined together, as well as separated again.Here too, the person skilled in the art will be familiar with a verygreat variety of arrangements for solving this problem such as, forexample, arrangements from the field of locks or simple arrangementshaving a rack and pinion, wherein the pinion is turned using the tool,resulting in movement of the rack, which is coupled to the slidemechanism. The person skilled in the art will likewise also be familiarwith hydraulic or pneumatic solutions, wherein a piston coupled to theslide mechanism is displaced as a result of the introduction of liquidor air into a cylinder.

According to claim 9, the connection element is so arranged that thecoupling halves have grooves located on the inside and projectionsmatched thereto, which engage with one another when the connectionelement is in the connected state and serve to maintain or improve themechanical connection properties. Arranged inside the grooves andprojections engaging with one another are electric contacts. Using thisembodiment, the space required for the electric line coupling halves canbe reduced because the electric contacts are integrally connected to thecoupling half in question.

According to claim 10, the connection element is so arranged that insidethe coupling halves there are provided flat portions that are in a closepositional relationship to one another when the coupling halves are inthe connected state. Provided on those flat portions are contactelements for producing a signal connection. When the coupling halves arein the connected state, the contact elements located opposite oneanother touch and the contact is closed. Because the currents flowingfor the signal connection are only low, the contact elements can be ofsmall dimensions. As a result of this embodiment, the space required forthe signal-related line coupling halves can be reduced.

According to claim 11, there is provided a connection element whosecoupling halves have a rectangular plinth portion, in which fasteningholes are provided. Arranged on the plinth portion are wedge-shaped orconical engaging elements and wedge-shaped or cone-shaped recessesmatched thereto. The plinth portion can be fastened by simple means on asurface, in a recess or in a groove. The form of the engaging elementscan be freely selected by the person skilled in the art and matched tothe relevant requirements without requiring an inventive step.

According to claim 12, there is provided a connection element wherein atleast one engaging element pair is in the form of a pipe coupling thatcan be pushed together and that forms the connection for a liquid line.This embodiment is especially economical because the double function ofthe engaging element pair saves having a separate pipe coupling.

According to claim 13, in the case of the media supply connectionelements in pipe form, there is provided a pressure-actuatable internallock and internal seal which bring about locking and sealing of theconnection when it is subjected to pressure by means of liquid or gas.The advantage of this embodiment is that, after all media connectionlocations have been completely installed, they can be sealed in a singleoperation by the propagation of pressure.

According to claim 14, the connections are produced as follows: Apressure-activatable adhesive is applied in the factory to the joiningpress surfaces at the connection locations. Such adhesives are known tothe person skilled in the art. They comprise, for example, smallspherules in which adhesive is embedded. When carrying out joining underpressure, for example when pressing surfaces together, the spherulesburst and release the adhesive so that the joining press surfaces arebonded to one another. A very stable connection is produced as a resultof this measure.

According to claim 15, there is provided on the joining press surfaces,which are in pressing contact on being joined together, an asymmetricalsurface toothed arrangement, which forms a unilaterally actingfrictional and positive connection after pressing together.

It is left to the person skilled in the art to select suitable locationsfor arranging the adhesive connection or the surface toothed arrangementbecause it is only necessary, for that purpose, to have knowledge of thestrength or static characteristics of the specific buildingconstruction.

According to claim 16, the contacts of the electrical connectionelements are encapsulated. The capsules are in the form of a plug andcoupling. Arranged over each of the areas that are pushed together is athin film that hermetically seals the electric contacts and, as aresult, prevents the entry of moisture and, consequently, corrosion. Thefilms are broken when the plug and coupling are joined together.However, that occurs only once a hermetic seal has again been producedby the connection of plug and coupling. A specific arrangement isdescribed in an exemplary embodiment.

According to claim 17, there is introduced into the plug and thecoupling a moisture-binding substance which lastingly absorbsenvironmental moisture that may still enter when the plug and couplingare joined together.

The invention will be described below in greater detail with referenceto exemplary embodiments and selected application examples inconjunction with the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

FIGS. 1 a–d show, in diagrammatic form, a first embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 2 a–d show, in diagrammatic form, a second embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 3 a–d show, in diagrammatic form, a third embodiment of theinvention, having a pressure-actuated lock.

FIGS. 4 a–c show, in diagrammatic form, a fourth embodiment of theinvention, having a pressure-activatable adhesive connection.

FIGS. 5 a, b show, in diagrammatic form, a fifth embodiment of theinvention, having a protective film.

FIGS. 6 a–d show, in diagrammatic form, a sixth embodiment of theinvention, having a frictional/positive locking connection.

FIGS. 7 a, b show, in diagrammatic form, a seventh embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 shows, in diagrammatic form, an eighth embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 shows, in diagrammatic form, a ninth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows, in diagrammatic form, a tenth embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 11 a, b show, in diagrammatic form, an eleventh embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 shows, in diagrammatic form, a twelfth embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 13–17 show application examples of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows, in diagrammatic form, a first embodiment of the invention,wherein reference symbols 1 a and 1 b denote wall portions in whichthere is arranged the line connection, which consists of a large numberof plugs 2 a and a large number of couplings 2 b matched thereto. Theplugs 2 a are held in an assembly holder 3 a and the couplings 2 b areheld in an assembly holder 3 b. The assembly holders are fastened incorresponding recesses in the wall portions. The recesses are soconstructed that the wall portions can be pushed into one another andform a closed wall portion in the pushed-together state. FIG. 1 a shows,in a side view, two wall portions 1 a and 1 b having recesses, in whichassembly holders 3 a and 3 b are fastened by means of screw connections.It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the fastening ofthe assembly holders 3 a and 3 b can be accomplished in various ways sothat further explanations in this regard can be dispensed with. FIG. 1 bshows the invention in a top view, wherein three line plugs 2 a andthree line couplings 2 b can be seen. In the present case, sealingbetween the line plug 2 a and the line coupling 2 b is carried out bymeans of an O ring 4. When the two wall portions 1 a and 1 b are, asshown in FIG. 1 c, brought together in the direction of the arrow, theline plugs 2 a and the line couplings 2 b come into engagement. In orderto compensate for manufacturing tolerances, the line plugs 2 a and/orthe line couplings 2 b are mounted in floating (i.e. laterallydisplaceable) manner. This measure guarantees a constraint-free andreliable connection. FIG. 1 d shows the end state, wherein the threelines are connected to one another reliably and sealed. Additionalconstructional measures ensure that the two wall portions 1 a and 1 bare held in the position according to FIG. 1 d.

FIG. 2 shows, in diagrammatic form, a second embodiment of theinvention, wherein assembly holders 3 a and 3 b have a centring device 5a, 5 b, which guarantees reliable joining. The centring device is sodimensioned that the transverse forces that occur when the walls arejoined together are reliably taken up, so that the coupling halves arenot damaged by being brought together in misaligned manner. FIG. 2 isanalogous to FIG. 1, so that the person skilled in the art will not needit to be described again.

FIG. 3 shows, in diagrammatic form, a third embodiment of the invention,wherein there is provided a locking device 6 which reliably prevents thebuilding components such as, for example, walls from coming apart againand, consequently, the coupling halves from becoming loose or, as aresult, from being damaged in such a way that sealing is no longerensured. In the present example, the locking device 6 has a pressurepiston and cylinder arrangement 6 a and also a locking piston andcylinder arrangement 6 b, which are connected to one another by means ofa hydraulic line 6 c. When the building components and the couplinghalves are reliably connected, there is exerted on the pressure pistonof the pressure piston and cylinder arrangement 6 a a force thatdisplaces the piston, as a result of which the locking piston of thelocking piston and cylinder arrangement 6 b is pressed, by means of thehydraulic line 6 c, into a recess 6 d, as a result of which the buildingcomponents are firmly and reliably connected to one another. Theapplication of force to the pressure piston can be accomplished, forexample, by utilising the force exerted on joining the buildingcomponents together. In FIG. 3 d it can be seen that the locking pistonhas engaged in the recess 6 d.

A means of producing a lasting and stable connection is shown in FIG. 4.All contacting surfaces of the centring device are coated with a specialadhesive 7. When the contacting surfaces are pressed together understrong pressure, the adhesive 7 is activated and it fixedly connects thecontacting surfaces to one another. Such pressure-activatable adhesivesare known to the person skilled in the art so that a more detailedexplanation thereof is not necessary.

In order to prevent the coupling halves from corroding, which isespecially disadvantageous, for example, in the case of electricalconnections, the coupling halves are covered with a protective film 8according to FIG. 5. On joining, the protective film 8 is broken incontrolled manner so that the hitherto hermetically sealed, that is tosay non-corroded, elements of the coupling halves are joined together.In a further embodiment, sealing elements are provided whichre-establish a hermetic seal after joining.

FIG. 6 shows a simple and very effective measure for reliable andlasting connection. The contacting surfaces of the centring device areprovided with a multi-wedge-shaped surface toothed arrangement 9. Whenthe contacting surfaces are pressed against one another in the course ofjoining, the teeth of the surface toothed arrangement 9 lock in andremain in that position so that a positive and frictional connection isproduced. The person skilled in the art will know that, for thispurpose, the multi-toothed arrangement must be asymmetrical so that thehooking-in effect occurs in only one direction, that is to say, in thepresent example, on pressing together the contacting surfaces.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show the various embodiments of the invention withreference to a substantially similar basic form of coupling. The variousinstallation phases are illustrated so that it is possible, for theperson skilled in the art, to dispense with repetitions in thedescription. The following examples show that it is also possible to usebasic forms of coupling that are different in principle.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the coupling having two coupling halves 1a, 1 b, with only a water pipe 10 being connected in this embodiment.When the coupling halves are pushed together, the two pipe portions 10a, 10 b are located one above the other. A seal arrangement 11 a, 11 bis provided for the purpose of sealing.

FIG. 8 shows a coupling half 1 a wherein an angled water pipe 10 ismovably arranged. The water pipe has, on its surface, a toothedarrangement 12, which is in engagement with a pinion 13. The water pipe10 is pressed against the pinion 13 by a counter-mounting 14. The pinion13 is connected to a pin 15 which is rotatably mounted in a mounting 16.By means of a tool 17, the water pipe can accordingly be displaced inits longitudinal extent. When the coupling half 1 a is placed on acoupling half matched thereto, the coupling halves of the water pipes tobe connected are not yet in engagement. Only as a result of turning thetool 17 and the resulting displacement of the first water pipe towardsthe water pipe of the other coupling half is the connectionaccomplished. This exemplary embodiment is accordingly a practical formof the invention according to claim 5 and the claims dependent thereon.

FIG. 9 shows a similar coupling half 1 a to FIG. 8. The water pipe 10 islikewise displaceably mounted and is urged in the direction of the arrowby means of a spring 18. When the coupling half 1 a is placed on acoupling half matched thereto, the coupling halves of the water pipes tobe connected are not yet in engagement because a blocking pin 19prevents movement of the pipe. Only by pulling out the blocking pin 19,using a pull rope 20, is a stop 21 released, as a result of which thepipe moves in the direction of the arrow and is coupled to itscounterpart component. The sealing arrangements required for the purposepreferably have O rings.

FIG. 10 shows a coupling half 1 a having an integrally formed water pipecoupling 22. The integral formation saves having a separate couplingelement for the water line. As can be seen from the illustration, thewater pipe coupling forms a sturdy central element which is also capableof taking up large mechanical forces. Reference symbol 23 denotes aspring-loaded blocking flap, shown in diagrammatic form, which oncoupling together is pressed in the direction of the arrow by thecounterpart component and in the final state snaps into a recess in thecounterpart component. As a result, the coupling is effectivelyprevented from coming apart.

FIG. 11 a likewise shows a first coupling half 1 a having an integrallyformed water pipe coupling 22. In addition, electrical contacts 24 areprovided inside the engagement grooves for the transmission ofelectrical energy. Furthermore, there are arranged on the rectangularplinth element 25 a row of small contact elements 26, which may be used,for example, for the transmission of sensor signals such as, forexample, temperature. FIG. 11 b shows the second coupling half matchedthereto.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The coupling halvesare in the form of wedge-shaped profiled rods 27, 28, the first couplinghalf having a male wedge 29 and the second coupling half having a femalewedge 30. There is furthermore provided a positively acting connectiondevice 31 a, b, the mode of operation of which can be seen in FIG. 12.When both profiled rods are brought into engagement, the connectiondevice 31 a engages around the connection device 31 b. The dimensioningof this connection device 31 is not described in further detail becausesuch click-in connection arrangements are adequately known and can bearranged as required. Provided inside the connection device are linecoupling elements 32 to 35, which are connected to one another when theprofiled rods 27, 28 are coupled together.

FIG. 13 shows a possible application of the invention in the field ofheating and water installation. Various units are arranged on abaseplate 36. Arranged in the wall are four couplings 37, 38 (39, 40 notshown) according to the invention, which are connected to various linesrunning within the wall. Arranged on the baseplate 36 are thecounterparts matched to the couplings 37 to 40. As a result, thebaseplate 36 can be completely or possibly even automatically kitted outat the manufacturer's. The kitted-out baseplate is simply hung intoplace on site. It will be clear that the installation costs on site canbe considerably reduced as a result. Furthermore, kitting-out is carriedout in a very short time and the risk of mis-connection or incorrectwiring is ruled out.

FIG. 14 shows a further possible application of the invention in thekitchen sector. It can be seen from the drawing, without more detailedexplanation, that a complete kitchen unit consisting of a refrigerator,electric cooker and sink unit together with dishwasher can be hung ontoa wall analogously to the description of FIG. 13, reference symbols 41to 45 denoting the visible couplings.

FIG. 15 shows a further possible application of the invention in thebathroom sector. It can be seen from the drawing, without more detailedexplanation, that a complete sanitary unit block consisting of a showercubicle, toilet, wash-basin together with a mirrored cabinet can befastened to a wall with little outlay analogously to the description ofFIG. 13, reference symbols 46 to 52 denoting the couplings.

FIG. 16 shows a further possible application of the invention in theinstallation of public telephone devices. Arranged on the rear of thetelephone device are two couplings 53, 54 according to the invention anda locking device 55 that can be secured. The telephone device canaccordingly be rapidly exchanged in the event of a defect and is securedagainst theft by means of the locking device.

FIG. 17 shows a further possible application of the invention in theheating sector. Provided on a baseplate 56 fastened to a wall arecouplings 57 to 60, couplings 58 and 59 being constructed in accordancewith the invention. It will be clear that, using this arrangement, panelradiators can be installed very quickly or exchanged in the event of adefect.

Finally, it should be emphasised that the technical teaching of theinvention, as disclosed by the features disclosed in the description andthe exemplary embodiments, is very wide-ranging. With knowledge of thistechnical teaching, the person skilled in the art will be able at anytime to develop the invention or adapt it to particular requirementswithout, for the purpose, having to act inventively.

1. Connection element for connecting building components orsub-assemblies mechanically, the connection element, comprising: twocoupling halves (1 a, 1 b) which can be brought into engagement by ajoining movement; fastening means, wherein said coupling halves arearranged to be fastened to the building components or sub-assembliesbeing connected, using said fastening means, the coupling halves (1 a, 1b) and the fastening means being so dimensioned that, when forcesoccurring in use are applied, a predetermined mechanically stable stateof the connected building components or sub-assemblies is maintained,wherein line coupling halves (2 a, 2 b, 10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35) forconnecting liquid lines or gas lines or electrical lines or signal linesare arranged inside the coupling halves (1 a, 2 b), wherein the linecoupling halves in the in-use state are connected to the end portions ofthe lines being connected, and wherein the coupling halves have openingsthrough which the lines pass to the outside; and wherein the couplinghalves in the in-use connected state are in the form of housings for theline coupling halves (2 a, 2 b, 10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35), wherein thehousing is formed, such that the line coupling halves and the endportions of the lines being connected are protected from damagingoperational or environmental influences, wherein the connection elementis so arranged such that, first the coupling halves are completelyconnected and thereafter the line coupling halves are joined together,wherein the connection element is so arranged that the line couplinghalves can be connected singly or together by means of a connectionmechanism, the connection mechanism having the following features: aslide mechanism (14) for bringing together the line coupling halves, anda drive mechanism (13,14,15,16) to drive the slide mechanism. 2.Connection element according to claim 1, the drive mechanism has aspring mechanism, wherein a blocked, biased spring (18) actuates theslide mechanism after blocking (19) of the spring (18) has been releasedautomatically or manually.
 3. Connection element according to claim 1,wherein the drive mechanism (17) is arranged to be actuated manually. 4.Connection element for connecting building component or sub-assembliesmechanically, the connection element, comprising: two coupling halves (1a, 1 b) which can be brought into engagement by a joining movement;fastening means, wherein said coupling halves are arranged to befastened to the building components or sub-assemblies being connected,using said fastening means, the coupling halves (1 a, 1 b) and thefastening means being so dimensioned that, when forces occurring in useare applied, a predetermined mechanically stable state of the connectedbuilding components or sub-assemblies is maintained, wherein linecoupling halves (2 a, 2 b, 10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35) for connecting liquidlines or gas lines or electrical lines or signal lines are arrangedinside the coupling halves (1 a, 2 b), wherein the line coupling halvesin the in-use state are connected to the end portions of the lines beingconnected, and wherein the coupling halves have openings through whichthe lines pass to the outside; and wherein the coupling halves in thein-use connected state are in the form of housings for the line couplinghalves (2 a, 2 b, 10, 22, 32, 33, 34, 35), wherein the housing isformed, such that the line coupling halves and the end portions of thelines being connected are protected from damaging operational orenvironmental influences, wherein the connection element is so arrangedsuch that, first the coupling halves are completely connected andthereafter the line coupling halves are joined together, wherein theconnection element is so arranged that the line coupling halves arejoined together at the same time as the coupling halves, wherein thecoupling halves have grooves arranged on the inside and projectionsmatched thereto, which engage with one another when the connectionelement is in the connected state, predetermined portions of the groovesand projections being in a close positional relationship to one anotherand contact elements (24) being provided at the predetermined portionsto produce an electrical connection.